I think I've logged in as Jon.
Forgive the title, I have a new-found appreciation for couplets.
I wish I could say that it's because I've been pouring over classic poetry, but really, it's because I've been reading David Rakoff and Dr. Seuss. We'll come back to this later.
For now, I've been thinking about all of the posts I've seen on Facebook and all of the conversations I've heard people share about the new year. They have been peppered with language like, "resolution," "weight loss," "take risks," "new attitude," etc. I think these are all good things. It's good to be healthy, it's good to be resolute, it's good to reflect on your attitudes. I suspect that I'm going to get a promotional email from our gym tomorrow... My point is that I'm still mulling over the lessons/habits that I'd like to continue in 2013, the habits/non-habits that I'd like to change, and how those decisions are going to affect the transition we're going to make from med school life to residency life.
Before I declare anything publicly, I thought it would be a good idea to share some things that I learned from 2012. Let me be very clear: these are just observations from our life, not a Facebook-like attempt to issue guidance in two sentences or less.
January: The obligatory health lesson--exercise really is important if I want to keep up with a husband on the go and a toddler. And by, "keep up," I mean having more energy to be an encouraging, creative, fun, and life-giving wife and mother as opposed to a lethargic, short-tempered harpy of a wife and mother. [The month Jenn realized that David only has two speeds.]
February: Situations that are frustrating now will not always be frustrating. My husband won't work crazy hours forever. My son won't get sick every three weeks for the rest of his life and he won't be in daycare forever.
March: We love being outside. Assuming the weather is nice. Assuming I have SPF 800 sunblock on hand.
April: My husband was custom-engineered for me, and I for him. I'm so thankful for that. He is so patient and diligent and honest and good. [The first holiday (Easter) Jon had to work.]
May: I should tell my mother I love her more often. I love you, mom. [Mother's day.]
June: I should tell my father I love him more often. I love you, dad. [Father's day.]
July: When flying solo with a toddler (in the literal sense; one parent traveling with a child) I found the umbrella stroller to be a life-saver. 40% of its use came from carrying D and 60% of its use came from transporting diaper bags, sweaters, water bottles, wolverine, etc. It's so nice to get away on vacation every now and then. [The month Jon was in Madison for his first away rotation.]
August: A clean house is so good for my sanity, but so are rest and good films. And more importantly, time with family and family-like friends.
September: God is good and just. Consistently. [The month Jon was in Houston for his second away rotation. The month Jenn made the house smell like lavender.]
October: My baby will not be a baby forever. I'm conflicted about this because I know that one of my duties as a parent is to teach D how to become a helpful, well-rounded, independent adult. But there are things that I miss about D as a baby. He really does get more fun with age though, and so does Jon:) [David and Jon's birthday month.]
November: It's important to have some kind of creative outlet. Paint, hot glue, music, good films--whatever ties your shoe. Also, connecting with family is sometimes difficult, but worth while. [The month Jenn traded sleep for new hobbies while Jon traveled for residency interviews. Also the 'clean all the things' month. The month Jon's grandfather passed away.]
December: If we're seeking justice based on moral law, we must believe in a moral law-giver. [The month of Christmas, the month of the tragic elementary school shooting, the month of more residency interviews, the month of 10" of snow and almost 5 days without power.]
And there you have it. A cross section of thoughts from our past year.
I went to bed on December 31st with the distinct feeling that 2013 would be a good year. We certainly have a lot to look forward to with match day, moving, getting to spend more time with David, etc. I'll take more diligent notes for next year's year-end post.
Jon and I hope that you all had a very happy New Year and that 2013 brings you truth, peace and prosperity.
1 comment:
Thanks for the synopsis of team Pagan's 2012. I enjoy your approach to the new year. And you're right: 2013 will be a great year for you guys.
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